The Faculty of Law at The Chinese University of Hong Kong marked its 20th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last Saturday. The event highlighted two decades of development in legal education, research and professional training.
University leaders present included Council Chairman John Chai Yat-chiu and Vice-Chancellor and President Dennis Lo Yuk-ming. Also in attendance were Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung and Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented a commemorative calligraphic inscription that read, “Nurturing outstanding legal talent and passing on legal scholarship across generations.” The gift recognised the faculty’s contributions to legal education and scholarship.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor and President Dennis Lo Yuk-ming said the faculty had grown significantly since its establishment and had made contributions both within and beyond the university.
“The Law Faculty has grown into a vibrant academic community. Its graduates have gone on to make valuable contributions to the legal profession and many other fields. Its scholarly work has helped inform the development of legal practice and the formulation of public policy,” Lo said.
Chief Justice Andrew Cheung noted that the faculty had built a strong reputation in research, teaching and the quality of its graduates over the past two decades. He said its influence extended across legal practice, academia, public service and the judiciary.
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Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan observed that the faculty had aligned some of its initiatives with broader policy priorities. These included stronger connectivity within the Greater Bay Area, closer international institutional links and the development of LawTech. He said such efforts were helping prepare students for changes in the legal profession.
Dean Xi Chao highlighted recent academic initiatives. These included new master’s programmes in AI Law and Global Practice, the establishment of the Asian Legal History Association, and the faculty’s role as the editorial home of the Journal of Comparative Law.
The anniversary gathering brought together members of the university community, members of the judiciary, government officials and alumni to reflect on the faculty’s progress since its founding. Speakers consistently pointed to the growth of the academic community, the achievements of its graduates and the expanding scope of its research and teaching activities.
Over two decades the faculty has developed from its early years into an established centre for legal education in Hong Kong. Its programmes have produced graduates who have entered the legal profession and other sectors, while its research output has contributed to discussions on legal practice and public policy.
The emphasis on emerging areas such as LawTech and AI Law reflects an effort to keep curricula and research aligned with technological and regional developments. Connections with the Greater Bay Area and international partners were also cited as part of the faculty’s broader engagement.
The presentation of the calligraphic inscription by the Chief Executive underscored official recognition of the faculty’s role in nurturing legal talent and sustaining scholarly traditions. University leaders and judicial figures used the occasion to acknowledge both past achievements and ongoing work in teaching, research and professional preparation.
The gala dinner served as a formal occasion to mark the milestone while drawing attention to the faculty’s current academic directions and its place within Hong Kong’s legal education landscape.
